Sledding with Friends

We went sledding a few days after Christmas with the Tripp and Janzen families. We had a great time at the Bancroft Meadows. The boys enjoyed using their new sleds from Mor Mor and Papa. Everyone had a great time.

Sledding on Christmas Day

Here's how Ellie felt about sledding...

Gus, Johan, Kip and I went sledding on Christmas day. Uncle Patrick, Uncle Brendan, Auntie Jill, and Ellie also joined in on the fun! Ellie and the boys were fearless. We were all impressed that the kids would go alone and weren't afraid of having jumps on the path. They were great! Here are a few videos that show some of the "bumps" and "air" that the kids got that day. They were outside for two hours!

Christmas Day at Kraseans

We had a wonderful Christmas day at Gramma and Grampa Krasean's place.  We had a great time with everyone - spending time together, enjoying holiday treats (thanks, Gramma), opening gifts, sledding, and watching a Muppets Christmas show.  Gus loved his "Cutie Bear" from Santa (he decided on the name) and Johan got a football from Santa.  Anja really enjoyed her new Raggedy Ann doll from Gramma.  We are so thankful for family and we were really happy that the snow didn't keep us from being together on Christmas day!

Christmas Eve at Home

Well......the update to the blog poll is that I (SONJA) got sick.  I was out of commission for about 24 hours, so we missed the Christmas Eve celebration with the Lindquist crew.  It was disappointing, but we had a good time together as a family.  We had time to enjoy the fresh snowfall and eat a nice dinner.  Before bedtime, we got cozy in PJs and watched Rudolph.  We finished up our Advent calendar and went to bed (waiting for Santa to arrive!!).

 

Visiting Santa

We had a great visit with Santa today. I caught a bit of it on video. Gus asked Santa for "a teddy bear with your hat" and Johan requested a "f-f-f-football" (with his sweet little stutter). Anja was happy as can be until we set her on Santa's lap and then she cried.

Not the official picture, but it gives you an idea of how things went!

Poll Update

As of 10:30pm on Tuesday, December 22, I can report that no one else got the stomach bug.  Whew!  Or should I be typing that already.  We'll see what happens, but I'm starting to get hopeful....

Thanks to everyone who voted!!  It was fun to try something new on the blog. 

The Sanitary Cycle

Well, it has been a busy two days with lots of vomit and lots of laundry.  Thanks goodness for our new washer, which comes complete with a sanitary cycle that raises the temperature to 158 degrees to eliminate 99% of bacteria (So much for the energy savings!).


 


So far, Gus and Johan have been hit.  And, Johan was hit harder than Gus with more vomit and other stuff!  So, who is next?  Place your bets - Kip, Sonja or Anja.  I'll be amazed if I get out of this one unscathed.  I seem to always be on the losing side of these germ battles.  We'll keep you posted....but, it may be a few days depending on my condition!  With any luck, this sickness will fade away just in time for Christmas!

Gingerbread Houses

We headed to our the Bergh household to create gingerbread houses with our friends.  There was lots of frosting, candy, and good times!  The boys enjoyed making their creation.  The desperate look on Anja's face is her pleading to get some candy!  I hate to admit it, but it worked (3rd child, right??).

BCCC - Christmas Program

Gus and Johan had their pre-school Christmas concert at Bethlehem Covenant church.  The boys did a great job standing on risers and singing Christmas carols with their classes.  The church was packed, so it was a little crazy, but we had a good time.  Can you find Gus pictured with his class below?

i heart faces - week 49: Pets

On a warm, sunny day last summer, we headed to a new lake with some friends.  Our friends have lots of experience catching frogs, but Gus was rather timid.  Although two buckets of frogs had been captured (and later released...by the way), Gus refused to pick up a frog, opting to observe.  Later, he came up to me very proudly to show me the frog he caught by himself.  

Head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com to see all of the other pet pictures!

Lucia Day

My sister had a brilliant idea to dress her kids up and bring them over to my parent's house to celebrate a wonderful, Swedish tradition, Lucia day.  Lucia was a Christian martyr.  She would bring food to those in need in the darkness wearing candles on her head to light the way.  St. Lucia Day (December 13) continues to be celebrated in Sweden today. 

Cinderella

Gus and I went to see Cinderella at the Children's Theatre.  It was an amazing performance - one of my favorites at the Children's Theater.  It was magical and funny and sweet.  Gus enjoyed the performance.  We went with lots of family members: Mor Mor, Sarah, Addy, Elsa, Heather, Steve, Becky, Evelyn, Lars, Laurie, and Jerry!  Wow.  What a great time!  Addy cried at intermission because she thought is was over - it was that good!

Gleason's Gymnastics

We had a great time last Friday at Gleason's.  I got this cute picture of the kids, but the quality isn't very good.  Oh well!  It was fun to get a few pictures of Anja being active!  She is getting around this year.

The Rodriguez Family

I took pictures for my friends today.  It was cold out, but we still went outdoors for a few pictures.  I was pleased that I could get an woodsy feel in their Minneapolis front yard!  The boys were so cute in their matching Christmas shirts.